17-Year-Old Colmesneil Student Arrested After Threats to Shoot Up High School
TYLER COUNTY, Texas — A 17-year-old Colmesneil student, Aaron McDonald, has been arrested after allegedly threatening to carry out a shooting at Colmesneil High School.
According to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted after several students reported hearing McDonald make alarming statements inside a classroom, including a threat to “kill everyone in this school.”
Law enforcement immediately coordinated with Superintendent Sharon Tule, who confirmed that McDonald, a student of Colmesneil ISD, was not on campus at the time the threats were reported.
Following an investigation, deputies took McDonald into custody. He has since been charged in connection with the threats, and authorities stressed that all threats against schools are treated with the utmost seriousness to protect students, teachers, and staff.
McDonald’s bond was set at $50,000, with court records showing strict release conditions — including a ban on entering any Colmesneil ISD property. Investigators are continuing to review the case to determine if additional charges are warranted. Authorities have not disclosed whether McDonald had access to firearms.
In a statement, Superintendent Tule reassured families that swift action was taken:
“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to ensure Colmesneil ISD remains a safe and secure place for learning.”
The Sheriff’s Office praised the students who reported the threats, noting their quick response allowed deputies to intervene before any harm occurred.
Officials are urging the public — especially students — to continue reporting suspicious behavior immediately. The incident comes amid heightened national concern over school safety and underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting local campuses.